honestly, i put more faith in the mic than the audiocard. ive heard two different neumann's on a firewire 1814, pro tools LE setup and they were amazing. i got my degree in audio engineering and from what ive experienced in recording at home/studio the mics make more of a difference. ive got two b.l.u.e bluebirds for vox and guitar and a handful of sm58's and for what i do the mics are amazing compared to my hardware. i do run an expensive set up, but when i decide to buy equipment i go all out and get the best affordable. i still think HD is pointless in a home studio unless your running your own label. i have yet to meet anyone that has covered their expenses in a home studio by engineering. prove me wrong...